Notre-Dame de la Garde
If Notre-Dame de la Garde had to be presented in a few words, it would be: over 800 years of pilgrimage, 157 meters high, an unobstructed view of the entire city of Marseille, and the symbol of a whole city.
HISTORY OF THE GOOD MOTHER
The one nicknamed the Good Mother has had three lives. Built for the first time in 1214 – at that time it was a small chapel -, it was rebuilt in the 15th century before being destroyed again in 1853, to make way for a larger basilica. The objective was to have a large enough place to accommodate the pilgrims who became increasingly numerous since the appearance of cholera. Inside, the materials used are up to all its splendor: white Carrara marble and red Brignoles marble blend with Byzantine-style mosaics.
Under the basilica, the crypt was excavated directly into the rock. It was actually completed before the basilica. The difference in style between the crypt and the basilica is quite striking: on one side the basilica with its very rich and golden decoration, on the other, the crypt and its very sober decoration, without paintings or ornaments.
THE BASILICA OF NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE IN FIGURES
This monument of Marseille is located on the highest hill near the Old Port, at 150 meters above sea level. The bell tower of Notre Dame de la Garde rises to 41 meters in height. The golden statue of Mary overlooking the basilica measures 11.20 meters and weighs nearly 9,796 kg! It was made by the Christofle company and requires being regilded with 500 grams of gold every quarter of a century.
Its construction required more than 40 years of work. Inside, the dimensions become more modest: the nave measures 32.7 meters long and is 14 meters wide. It is adorned with side chapels, each measuring 3.8 meters by 5.4 meters.
The Marseille basilica : a strategic military and religious point
In 1516, François Ier went to Marseille and joined his mother and wife in the sanctuary of Notre Dame de la Garde. He realized the weak point of the city: it had no means of protection in case of maritime attack. Aware of the strategic location represented by the Garde hill, he decided to build a fort and a military base there. He also ordered the construction of a fort on the island of If, the current Château d’If. Today, the remains of this fort are still visible. And when we look a little closer, we can even notice François Ier's coat of arms: the famous salamander! Today, the Fort has been transformed and has given way to the souvenir shop, the parking lot, and a new sacristy.
Contrary to what visitors might think, Notre-Dame de la Garde is not a cathedral but a basilica. This Byzantine-inspired masterpiece was designed by the architect Henry Espérandieu. Inside, a Romanesque-Byzantine style predominates with stones decorated with mosaics.
At its summit, rising over 150 meters, sits a magnificent statue of Mary, protector of the city and its sailors. Many ex-votos testify to the attachment of the people of Marseille and the seafarers.
Notre-Dame de la Garde gets a makeover In 2001, after a thorough study of the work to be done, the architect Xavier David began the restoration work. Long and extensive work that lasted…seven years!
On the outside, the Golfalina – a green stone used for the basilica – was damaged by pollution. The damaged stones were then replaced by others resistant to pollution. Inside, the mosaics had been altered over the years. Their restoration was entrusted to a mosaic artist native to Marseille, Michel Patrizio.
VISITING THE GOOD MOTHER
Since June 18, 2013, Notre-Dame de la Garde has had its own museum. A place that traces the history of this site, from its inception to the present day.
As an iconic figure of the city, the basilica attracts millions of visitors each year, as motivated by its visit and its place in Marseille's history as by the extraordinary panorama it offers over the entire Phocaean city.
If today the view from the summit remains breathtaking, there was a time when the experience was even more memorable. Some thirty years ago, visitors could climb a staircase inside the statue of the Virgin Mary, which led them to her head. And so, through the eyes of the Good Mother, visitors could admire the city.
Discover the different paths that lead to Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the 150th anniversary of the Good Mother.
To enjoy the view and take in a breath of fresh air, there's nothing better than taking one of the many paths starting at the foot of the hill. However, be aware that the ascent is not easy, and earning the view from the Good Mother takes effort… or a fee. For those who prefer, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde is accessible by bus (line 60) or by the Marseille little train, which delights both young and old.
Beyond the sacred nature of this place for the people of Marseille, Notre-Dame de la Garde offers an exceptional break away from the noise and the crowds. Whether on a day off or during the weekend, this stroll allows you to recharge with oxygen and positive vibes! And the incredible view it offers is definitely worth the trip!
